Ranchers Are Resourceful

[JimT]

I heard about this old boy that had mule he used on the ranch. Unfortunately the mule developed a fistula and it would not heal. Having an open sore on its back, he could not use the mule so he turned it out on the ranch. The mule wandered off and was not seen again. Some years later the rancher was out deer hunting and he saw something moving in the trees. He readied his rifle but out walked the old mule .. with an oak tree and a maple tree growing out of its back!

Seems that an acorn and a maple seed had fallen into the open sore and taken root! The rancher was resourceful. He cut down the oak tree and carved a beautiful saddle from the stump. I was told that as late as last year he could be seen riding the ranch on the old mule. He left the maple tree growing because he liked riding in the shade.

[Oldncrusty]

Goodin.

[Bill in Oregon]

HAVE MERCY!

[Sixgun]

Ain't that somethin'!! Did the rancher brush on a weather proof wood preserver....or at least stain it?....Seems to me that insects and other debris would get under the wood and bring on more infections so I hope he sanded it smooth underneath....I do know from a lifetime of having horses a quality blanket needs to be under the saddle.

And the maple tree...Norway maple with the big leaves?

Interesting, personally, I would have called a vet to cure the infection.-----006

[AJMD429]

.
I guess exposure to mule feces must encourage even better storytelling than bovine feces...

[piller]

Wow! HaHa.